EZ Melts Health Blog

Reading Time: 3 minutes Summer is a time when most people try to look and feel their best because we’re typically outdoors enjoying the warmer weather and all the fun activities that come along with it.  However, with the warm weather and scorching sun, it's important to take care of your body. One way to do that is to make sure you have the right vitamins in your diet.  Whether you're spending your days lounging by the pool or going on a tropical adventure, these 5 must-have vitamins will keep you looking and feeling your best. Let's take a closer look and see how these nutrients can benefit you this summer. Vitamin A  Vitamin A is an essential nutrient that promotes healthy skin, nail, and hair growth. This vitamin is linked to skin health because it promotes collagen production. Collagen is an important component of skin tissue and helps keep our skin looking vibrant and youthful.  Vitamin A is connected to eye health and cornea protection, and when you’re out in intense summer sunlight all day, it’s best to take precautions to take care of your vision.  In addition, vitamin A also supports a healthy, active immune system, which is important during the summer months when believe it or not, we tend to be more exposed to certain germs.  Vitamin C Vitamin C is best known for supporting the immune system but it's also essential for healthy skin, especially during the summer when we're more prone to sunburns and other skin damage.  Studies show that this powerful antioxidant can support reduced inflammation states in your skin, and we all know how the skin needs extra TLC from the damaging effects of summer UV rays.  You can get your daily dose of vitamin C from fruits and veggies like oranges, strawberries, and bell peppers, but also vitamin supplements just to be sure you’re getting the right amount.  Vitamin D3 Vitamin D3 is commonly referred to as the "sunshine vitamin" because our skin makes it when exposed to sunlight and it’s essential for maintaining strong bones and teeth. Spending time outdoors and getting plenty of sunlight is the best way to get your daily dose of vitamin D3, but you can also take supplements if you're not getting enough sunshine or need to stay out of the sun.  This vitamin is especially important during the summer months when we spend more time in the sun, but studies show that around 42% of people in the United States are vitamin D deficient, so it’s worth considering a supplement year-round. Biotin Biotin is often referred to as the "beauty vitamin" because it supports healthy hair, skin, and nails. This nutrient is essential for the production of keratin, which is the protein that makes up our hair, skin, and nails.  Biotin deficiency can lead to brittle nails, hair loss, and dry skin. You can get your daily dose of biotin from foods like eggs, nuts, and fish, and by taking a quality supplement.  Multivitamin with Iron Summer is a time when we tend to be more active, which means our bodies need more nutrients to keep up with the demands. A multivitamin with iron is a great way to ensure you're getting all the necessary vitamins and minerals your body needs.  The addition of iron is especially important for women, who are often iron deficient. Iron is essential for healthy blood flow and energy levels, so it's important to make sure you're getting enough. A good multivitamin with iron can help you feel your best this summer. Your Summer Vacation with EZ Melts With these 5 must-have vitamins, you can make sure you're giving your body everything it needs to thrive this summer. Whether you're spending your days lounging by the pool or exploring new destinations, it's important to prioritize your health.  Our supplements are non-GMO, vegan, sugar-free, and free from the nine most common allergens. We make it EZ to get the nutrition you need with our fast-melting supplements. And with our subscription service, it’s even easier to take care of yourself. Use code EZ30 at checkout to save 30% off your first subscription.

Read Time: 4 minutes The colder months can be hard on our skin. The dry air, lack of sunlight, and harsh winds can lead to dry, flaky patches, skin conditions, and premature skin aging if you're not careful. But the good news is that you can do plenty of things to keep your skin looking radiant and healthy. Here are five simple tips that can help you get started on a path toward gorgeous winter skin. Use a Humidifier As we get into the cold winter months, it’s important to keep your skin hydrated. The dry air can lead to dry, cracked skin that can break out and worsen any existing skin conditions you may have. A humidifier is a simple solution to this problem. Humidifiers add moisture back into the air which can help with dry skin conditions and keep your air passages from drying out and becoming uncomfortable during these colder months. Use a humidifier daily with clean, filtered water. This will help protect your skin during colder months when there is less humidity than usual, especially in certain regions of the country that experience harsher winter weather. Ditch Harsh Cleansers If you're looking to finally get rid of the dry skin that's been plaguing you all winter, consider switching up your face wash for something a little more natural.  Cleansers with rough exfoliants and chemicals can have your skin going haywire, especially when it's already sensitive and affected by winter weather. Try something a little closer to nature. For example, coconut oil is an excellent alternative to traditional cleansers because of its antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties, among many other potential benefits. Because of this, coconut oil can support your skin barrier and its efforts to fight off free radicals in your environment. Free radicals are toxins that cause damage to cells and DNA. After cleansing, be sure to follow up with a good moisturizer to condition and nourish your skin. Food for Skin Health The foods you eat can have a profound impact on the health of your skin. To ensure that yours is glowing and radiant, avoid processed foods (especially those high in salt, sugar, and saturated fat) and make sure to eat plenty of fresh fruits and vegetables, fish, and lean proteins. Spinach is one of the best options as far as nutrients for skin health are concerned (it's packed with vitamin A). If leafy vegetables aren't your thing, then opt instead for cauliflower or broccoli which contain fewer calories than their green counterparts but still offer plenty of vitamin C, another great nutrient for skin health. Invest in the Right Vitamins An easy way to support your best skin health in winter 2023 is knowing which vitamin supplements will be the most beneficial.  To make it even easier to get the nutrients you need for glowing skin, we have a Hair, Skin, and Nail Support bundle which includes all three of these natural supplements.  Here's what's included in our bundle and why: Vitamin C: Vitamin C is involved in collagen production and formation, which forms the basis for brighter, vibrant skin. Vitamin A: Vitamin A is essential for maintaining healthy skin and hair. It also supports your skin in protecting against premature aging and blemishes. Biotin: Biotin assists your body in producing keratin so you can support healthy hair, skin, and nails from the inside out. Don't Forget the Sunscreen in Winter Did you know that sun damage is the leading cause of premature skin aging? And did you know that UVA rays are present year-round, even during winter? So while it’s easy to forget about SPF in winter, don't! Wear sunscreen every single day—even in winter, and even indoors. If you're looking for an extra boost of hydration and protection from the elements, combine your moisturizer with an SPF 15 or higher. When applying sunscreen on your face, make sure to cover all exposed areas including where you shave and around your ears because these areas are especially prone to sun damage if left unprotected. Also, be sure not to neglect the neck area; it may seem insignificant but thinning skin here can also lead to wrinkles over time. Don't forget about lips either—yep, they count as skin too! They're one of the most visible signs of aging so they should receive plenty of attention when it comes time for reapplication. Your Best Skin in 2023 We hope these tips will help you proactively approach your skin health this winter. Remember that taking good care of yourself—both inside and out—is important no matter what time of year it is. Taking a daily vitamin supplement is a simple yet effective way to benefit your long-term health goals and your best skin. Try our Hair, Skin, and Nail Support bundle to get the three best, natural supplements for your skin.  Just make sure it is made without harmful additives or ingredients. Our vitamins are non-GMO, vegan, sugar-free, and free from the nine most common allergens. We make it EZ to get the nutrition you need with our fast-melting supplements.  And with our subscription service, it’s even easier to take care of yourself. Use code EZ30 at checkout to save 30% off your first subscription.

There’s a lot more you can do to protect your eyes other than wear sunglasses in the summer (love those frames, btw). Eyes need protection year-round, but especially when the sun is beating down on you. This tends to happen more often in most places during the warmer spring and summer months when people head outside en masse, so what better time to write about eye health? Hindsight is 20/20, pun intended, so practicing good eyecare habits starting today is the best way to lower your risk of health conditions down the road. Long-term sun exposure can cause cataracts, photokeratitis (like a sunburn on your corneas, ouch), and even cancer on your eyelids. Here are five ways to keep those peepers in their prime during time well-spent outdoors. UV ProtectionWe know we already mentioned sunglasses, but make sure they’re legit. To really block out harmful UV rays from the sun which can fry your eyes, look for the sticker that confirms they protect against UVB and UVA rays. Eye DropsEyes burning or feeling like raisins in the sun after a long day by the pool? Sunlight and high temps can dry them out, so get quality, lubricating eye drops to help soothe irritation.Don’t overuse them, however! Using them more than recommended can dry them out further.  Wear a Wide-Brimmed HatThis one’s self-explanatory, wink wink. Make sure it provides shade for your eyes. Hydration and FoodHydrating is essential in the summer, as you lose more water through sweating. In addition, if you’re not getting enough water, it’s hard for your eyes to produce tears, which is needed to prevent certain eye conditions.In addition, eating a diet high in vitamin A and the nootropic citicoline is vital to keep your eyes at their best.Unfortunately, 25% of people are still deficient in vitamin A, and while citicoline is found in some foods, it’s more beneficial to take a supplement. Vitamin A and CiticolineEnsure you’re getting what your eyes need by taking high-quality supplements of vitamin A and citicoline.Vitamin A is essential for eye health and vision. It helps keep your corneas clear and protects your vision.And according to the National Cancer Institute, citicoline is used by doctors for its studied ability to shield nerves by strengthening their membranes.Citicoline has been used for centuries in Asia as a natural treatment for many ailments, but it is just now being studied and used to lower the risk of glaucoma, a condition that causes irreversible damage and vision. Studies are showing that citicoline does work to reduce visual decline.The combination of vitamin A and citicoline can be a powerful supplement regimen to give your eyes a fighting chance against permanent eye damage in the long run.   The EZ Melts Difference When buying your citicoline and vitamin A supplements, make sure you’re choosing a brand that cares about what you put in your body as much as you do. EZ Melts supplements are all zero-sugar, vegan, gluten-free, and non-GMO, so you know that you are getting effective supplements that won’t cause you harm. Join our Subscribe & Save program today to save 15% on recurring orders of your favorite supplements. There’s no commitment – you can skip, pause, or cancel your subscription at any time. Thank you for being a part of the EZ Melts community.

Read Time: 4 minutes Many of us hope to “age well”, as they say. While that may look and feel different from person to person, aging is a process that affects us all. And aging well isn’t just about looks nor is it a superficial sentiment; it’s a process that affects our bodies holistically. Supporting our health and wellness as we age is the best form of self-care, and there are so many ways to do it. One of the easiest ways to take care of your mental and physical wellness through all stages of life is taking supplements daily. Here are the top supplements for supporting your best life—here’s to getting older but not feeling older! Work Out Like a Pro Exercise and remaining physically fit is key to supporting your musculoskeletal system and mental wellness as you age. CoQ10 supplements may help support enhanced physical performance and energy levels during exercise. This is because free radical damage negatively impacts muscle function, and CoQ10 has been shown in studies to help decrease oxidative stress caused by free radicals. Stress-Free is the Way to Be Did you know that stress prematurely ages you, both externally and internally? Protect your mind and body from excessive mental strain by taking L-theanine daily, which supports lower cortisol levels (aka stress hormones). Then take melatonin at night to support your circadian rhythm and a good night’s sleep. Sleep is when your body repairs itself and supports cognitive functioning. Beautiful Skin at Any Age There are many supplements that claim to support glowy, healthy skin. And while it’s helpful to have external skin care, rubbing in a cream or serum will only target the area you put it on. For overall skin health, try biotin for cell turnover and production, vitamin C for even, bright skin tone and collagen synthesis, as well as vitamin A which protects collagen. No Bones About It A decline in bone density and conditions like osteoarthritis, which cause brittle, weak bones are common as we age. Heart issues and heart disease are also common in aging adults. Work to combat this now with calcium! This mineral is essential to your health and can only be found externally in our food sources. Calcium is widely known as being associated with bone growth and strength, as well as cardiovascular health. It also aids with blood clotting. Want to enhance the absorption and transfer of calcium to your bones? Pair it with D3 + K2. Remember to Take Care of Cognitive Health Memories matter, and so does brain health. As we age, our brain cells can decline in productivity or regeneration, and certain diseases such as Alzheimer’s are more likely to develop. Act now to lower the likelihood of cognitive impairment and try a supplement like resveratrol. Resveratrol, commonly found in supplement form, might have anti-aging properties, including stimulating cell regeneration, warding off extra pounds, and even helping with glucose intolerance. The EZ Melts Difference You can find supplements everywhere these days…it’s finding quality products that counts when it comes to your health. Make sure you are choosing a brand that cares about what they put into their supplements as much as you care about what goes into your body. EZ Melts supplements are all zero-sugar, vegan, gluten-free, and non-GMO, so you know that you are getting effective supplements that won’t cause you harm. Join our Subscribe & Save program today to save 10% on recurring orders of your favorite supplements. There’s no commitment – you can skip, pause, or cancel your subscription at any time. Thank you for being a part of the EZ Melts community.  ___ Written by Annie-Eliza Stevens

Read time: 2 minutes There’s nothing worse than an upset stomach or pain when you’re trying to get through your day, and unfortunately, there are some vitamins that cause these less than desirable symptoms if not taken properly. Often what happens is people go to the store, pick up a bottle of supplements and then pop it with some water, thinking they are good to go about their day. But hold up! How you take your supplement matters. Some vitamins need food to absorb and digest properly. If you take certain vitamins on an empty stomach, an excess of acid can build up and then cause pain and nausea. Here are the vitamins you should pair with food. Next time, make sure to grab a snack before you take them! Iron, Magnesium, and Fish Oil The big three that are the most likely to cause aches and pains, and more. They often will cause nausea if you don’t take them with a meal or snack. Magnesium is known for its laxative effect, while fish oil contains omega-3s and 6s which frequently can cause diarrhea or stomach pain without food. Iron is actually best taken on an empty stomach, however, iron also causes a lot of stomach issues for many people. Take iron supplements with a small amount of food, like a light snack, if you are having issues. Just make sure you don’t take iron with dairy or other calcium-rich foods that can impair iron absorption. Vitamins A, D, E, and K These vitamins are known as fat-soluble, meaning that they need a small amount of healthy fat to cling onto in your stomach so that they digest well. Take these, alone or in a multivitamin, in the morning or early afternoon with some food containing good fats. Vitamin C Vitamin C is highly acidic on its own, so mixing this with your stomach acid can cause upset, nausea, and pain. Without food, it can leave behind excess acid, so make sure to eat enough. Multivitamin As a multivitamin usually contains a number of different vitamins and minerals, it’s safe to say you should always take these with a meal or at least a good-sized snack to kickstart absorption. Healthy fats and carbs are the two best things to add to your supplement routine. Suggestions: Take your multivitamin in the morning with something that includes healthy fats, like avocado toast or peanut butter, as many vitamins are fat soluble and need those fats from foods to digest and absorb properly. Take a dissolvable vitamin that is easy on the stomach and doesn’t contain harmful additives or chemicals that might make it harder for you to digest. Most vitamins should be taken early in the day, as night time slows digestion down and can cause your supplements to be less effective. Still having stomach issues after trying these ideas? Check in with your doctor to make sure something else isn’t going on with your digestive system.   The EZ Melts Promise Try our EZ Melts supplements for their customer-approved, all natural flavor, and their non-GMO and vegan promise. They melt quickly on the tongue, making it EZ to get the nutrition you need and EZ on the stomach! Best part? We don’t add any harmful chemicals or excess sugar. Just check out our ingredients listed on the bottle, and feel better knowing you are actually supporting your best health. Thanks for being a part of our community!  ___ Written by Annie-Eliza Stevens

Read time: 3 minutes There are so many factors that go into our health and nutrition, including where and how we live our lives. The amount of vitamins and minerals we take in—and which ones— are affected by our environment. For example, our work hours and office culture, whether it rains or shines more, how frequently we get outside (or can get outside) into nature, and regional diets all affect what kind of vitamins and minerals we get.  Many people end up taking vitamin supplements to meet their nutritional needs when their food and lifestyle alone don’t cut it. In fact, the percentage of Americans who take supplements on a daily basis reached an all-time high in 2019, coming in at 77% of the total population!  Read on to learn about the most common deficiencies, and for the list of the 5 most sought-after supplements in the US today.   Most Common Deficiencies In 2020, according to the Dietary Guidelines Advisory Committee, people in the US have deficiencies in:  Vitamin A: around 25% of adults Vitamin D: 42% of adults in the US are deficient, likelihood can increase with age and according to race Vitamin C: 7% of US adults Others include: Iron: one of the most common worldwide, affecting at least 25% of adults Folate: around 20% of the adult population Protein: around 46% of the older population in the US Vitamin B12: up to 90% of vegetarians and vegans may be deficient in vitamin B12 Deficiencies can be in large part due to said environmental factors, health conditions (like anemia), medication, pregnancy, age, gender, social factors and education surrounding nutrition, taking the wrong types of supplements, or even taking supplements that are ineffective and not shelved properly.  The first thing you can do is make sure you consult your medical provider to ensure you are bridging the gaps if you have any and take the right, quality supplements that fit your lifestyle. Most Popular Vitamins in 2020 According to a recent study, the top 5 most popular supplements taken across the board in the United States are multivitamins, vitamin D, calcium, vitamin C, and B-complex, in that order.  Multivitamin: A multivitamin is often used as a catch-all for people who are concerned about their health and want to support a healthy lifestyle. There are different kinds according to gender, age, and so on, and they come in many different types of tablets, but make sure you are taking one that isn’t full of additives or chemicals. Regardless, most multivitamins contain an array of vitamins and minerals essential to your health. If you and your doctor have a specific deficiency in mind, it might be worth considering supplements only containing certain vitamins and minerals.  Vitamin D: Aids in calcium absorption by helping with cell transportation of nutrients. In general vitamin D supports major organs, proper immune function, and the musculoskeletal system. It also helps support your mood and energy levels throughout the day. Calcium: Calcium is widely known as being associated with bone growth and strength, as well as cardiovascular health. It also aids with blood clotting. This mineral is essential to your health and can only be found externally in our food sources. Vitamin C: Known as ascorbic acid, vitamin C is vital in forming bone, muscle, tissue, and skin. It’s a powerful antioxidant that boosts your immune system response and fights free radicals (vitamin C is responsible for boosting your body’s natural collagen production, which = healthier, younger looking skin). Vitamin B-complex: B-complex supplements should cover at least eight essential B vitamins, and are safe to take even if you do get some of your vitamin Bs through nutrition. B vitamins support your brain, immune system, metabolism, energy levels, and much more. Vitamin B-complex also supports heart health, which is good news especially for men, who are at higher risk of heart disease and other heart conditions.  The EZ Melts Promise Try our EZ Melts supplements for their customer-approved, all natural flavor, and their non-GMO and vegan promise. They melt quickly on the tongue, making it EZ to get the nutrition you need! Best part? We don’t add any harmful chemicals or excess sugar. Just check out our ingredients listed on the bottle and feel better knowing you are supporting your best health the right way. Thanks for being a part of our community!  ___ Written by Annie-Eliza Stevens

Read time: 3 minutes Water, water, everywhere and not a drop to spare!  We all know that water is essential for life in addition to proper nutrition, and it impacts every aspect of our health. But sometimes the benefits H2O and vitamins can have on your skin is overlooked. However, it’s kind of a big deal! Skin is technically an organ, and it’s the largest organ we have. It needs to be supported by good diet and lifestyle habits just as your other organs, muscles, and bones do. Your body is a machine, and it needs to be well oiled—metaphorically here, water and nutrition are the oil that keeps it going. Read on to see all the ways they keep your skin glowing, youthful and gorgeous. Turn Back Time with H2O Water is life, literally. It’s a big deal! And while dehydration can happen year-round, a lot of people are especially dehydrated in warm weather. This is because it can be harder to take in the extra hydration needed to replenish our system when the weather is warmer and we are perspiring more under the summer sun—but make it a priority because here are just some of the ways water supports your skin health and longevity: Promotes anti-aging by improving elasticity Plumps skin and lips Healthy pH balance which keeps skin healthy and glowing Flushes toxins that dull and damage skin Moisturizes the entire body Prevents acne and other skin conditions A tip for ensuring you're on top of your hydration? Set reminders in your phone to take a break and drink 8oz of water. You should at least be getting 8 cups a day, but many people need more. Signs of Dehydration Your body will often give signals to you, telling you what it needs. Look for these physical signs of dehydration so you know it’s time for more water. Bad breath: dehydration can impact your mouth’s ability to fight bacteria Chapped lips: they’re skin too! If your lips are peeling and dry, focus on hydration instead of a swipe of lip balm Dark circles: dehydration can lead the skin around your eye socket to look sunken, which in turn makes dark circles more pronounced Constipation: your digestive system needs water to keep things moving and more comfortable Dizziness, low blood pressure, and fainting: internal organs, like your heart and brain, need water to keep your blood moving efficiently and for cognitive function Top Vitamins for Superior Skin We automatically think of biotin because it’s marketed the most in relation to skin, hair, and nails, but there are so many vitamins and minerals that also support glowy, healthy skin. And while it’s helpful to have external skin care, rubbing a cream or serum on will only target the area you put it on. For overall skin health, supplement your nutrition and skin care routine with supplements. Here are some vitamins to add: Vitamin D for skin tone, evenness, and may even help with psoriasis Vitamin C can increase effectiveness of sunscreen absorption, support collagen synthesis, and help skin wounds heal Vitamin E, found in our multivitamin, is a powerful antioxidant which protects against sun damage, inflammation and aging Vitamin A, of which retinol is a form of, protects collagen, strengthens the epidermis, and stimulates cell turnover (which slows with age). The EZ Melts Difference Many people don’t get adequate nutrition from their diet, which is where supplements come in! For the best skin health possible, add supplements like vitamin A, vitamin C, and vitamin D to your daily routine. See why EZ Melts is better--our vitamins are fast melting, EZ to take, and have a delicious customer approved flavor. Unlike many major vitamin brands, our tablets do not include harmful toxic ingredients, artificial flavors, or GMOs. Try us out and see the difference!  ___ Written by Annie-Eliza Stevens

  Read time: 3 minutes Taking your vitamin supplements is one of the easiest and proactive ways we can support our health, but which ones do we need, and what are they all for? It can get confusing to try and remember all the different names and forms of vitamins, but it’s important nonetheless to make sure you get them. One of these vitamins, vitamin A, comes in two main forms: retinoids and carotenoids. You may have heard of the most popular retinoid, known as retinol. However, retinol is just one of nine different retinoids, all derivatives of vitamin A. Retinoids are preformed, meaning they can be used by the body just as they are. Carotenoids, however, are pro-vitamin A, which means once ingested, your body turns it into vitamin A in the digestive system. Both are essential to human health. With so many different variations of this one vitamin, it can be hard to keep track, or know which ones to buy. Let’s talk about the most popular retinoid and vitamin A supplements to determine which one best suits your needs. Then, you can make an informed decision on if you should take vitamin A and retinol.  Topical Retinol: The Fountain of Youth First of all, it’s good to know that retinol is just one of nine siblings in the retinoid family, so the two terms cannot be used interchangeably. Retinol is known worldwide as the most popular anti-aging retinoid, and estheticians as well as beauty gurus everywhere sing its praises. In addition to being the proverbial fountain of youth for skin, retinol is prescribed by doctors for other conditions such as acne and psoriasis. This retinoid often comes over-the-counter topically in small amounts, due to its chemical strength and irritating properties. A little can go a long way with retinol, and it’s an effective topical treatment to help with wrinkles, fine lines, and other forms of visible aging. It’s found in many creams, serums, and cleansers, and is relatively affordable compared to other, more expensive methods of countering signs of aging. If you’re looking for something to slow the hands of time, topical retinol may be worth adding to your daily skin routine! However, vitamin A, both in retinoid and carotenoid form is crucial for many important biological processes beyond the skincare aisle as well. Vitamin A As mentioned, there are two kinds of vitamin A:pre-formed (aka retinoids), found in animal products like dairy, meat, and eggs. The second is pro-vitamin A, which is found as carotenoids in plant-based foods, such as carrots, sweet potatoes, and grapefruits, and these need to be converted by your body into vitamin A. Both are essential to human development and health. Vitamin A, in fact, supports a strong immune system, helps with bone growth and health, supports reproductive processes, and is vital for eye health and vision. Remember “eat your carrots”, anyone? There’s good reason for it; carrots are a rich source of a carotenoid called beta carotene. Yes, there are multiple forms of carotenoids too! Vitamin A supplements contain retinoids and carotenoids, and while you can get some vitamin A in food, many people are vitamin deficient today, regardless of location or economic status. Vitamin A supplements are safe in the right amounts (up to 10,000 IUs per day), and a great way to ensure you aren’t deficient. If you are looking to support your body’s functioning, eye, bone, and immune health, a vitamin A supplement is a great place to start. Vitamin A and Retinol - The EZ Melts Difference For your daily dose of complete vitamin A, we suggest a supplement like EZ Melts. It’s important to have a daily routine of feeding your body the nutrients it needs. Supplements are the easiest and quickest way of ensuring you get the correct amount. Many vitamin supplements are solid and have a ton of chemical additives, which can cause stomach upset, so quality matters. Make sure you are choosing a brand that cares about what they put into their supplements as much as you care about what goes into your body. Thanks for being a part of our community! Check out our Zero-Sugar, Vegan, Gluten-Free, Non-GMO quick melting vitamin A tablets in a customer-approved delicious flavor!  ___ Written by Annie-Eliza Stevens

You’re in Sephora or a local drugstore, surrounded by it all the time. You might even be looking for a product with vitamin A without even realizing it! Yep: retinol, that secret ingredient companies claim is the fountain of youth. People always talk about it when advertising anti-wrinkle products, but did you know that it’s actually a fancy word for vitamin A? Along with retinal and retinyl esters, retinol is a hot term for vitamin A. Retinol and retinyl esters are the biggest sources of retinoid in the body, and retinoid is essential to fetal development, your organs, bones, adult growth, the immune system, and sight [1], [2].   Two Types  There are two kinds of vitamin A: preformed (aka retinol), found in animal products like dairy, meat, and eggs [3]. The second is Pro-vitamin A, which is found as carotenoids in plant-based foods, such as carrots, sweet potatoes, and grapefruit [4]--see a pattern here? Pro-vitamin A is bright!   Orange is Key  Did you ever hear a family member warn you about eating too many carrots because you would turn orange? They were talking about carotenemia, a skin yellowing condition caused by the carotenoids that are in popular vegetables, such as carrots. (Don’t worry though, it’s not harmful.) Beta-carotene, a type of carotenoid, is the version of pro-vitamin A that you can find in a lot of brightly colored/orange fruits and vegetables. Orange nose or no, make sure you’re getting the majority of your nutrition through loads of healthful, whole foods like these.   At Risk Groups Vitamin A deficiencies in all their forms is incredibly rare in the United States, however, it does happen. Certain groups are more at risk than others. These include premature infants as well as children and pregnant women in specific developing countries. Also, people with cystic fibrosis experience lower absorption rates of vitamin A. Vegans should be extra mindful of incorporating enough vitamin A rich foods, as they cut out the biggest sources of preformed vitamin A there is.    Symptoms and Conditions of Low Vitamin A  Here are some symptoms of being low on A below, but always consult a medical professional if you believe you are deficient. In young children and pregnant women, a rare eye condition called xerophthalmia can occur if there is a lack of vitamin A, which can lead to blindness. Other symptoms may include low immune function and acne. It can slow infant growth, and women who consume alcohol during pregnancy can cause fetal alcohol syndrome, which is thought to have to do with a lack of vitamin A during gestation. In developing countries, vitamin A deficiency can lead to more severe measles in children, and this deficiency is the largest cause of child blindness in the world to this day [2].   Your Doctor Visits are Essential Now, all that information above might be scary, but that’s not our aim! We are incredibly lucky to have access to so many fresh foods with all of our necessary vitamins and minerals, but sometimes we may overlook them for quick fixes to hunger--no judgement! The right supplements can be extremely helpful in living a long, happy life. Just make sure you consult a doctor before using, as there can be negative consequences to taking too much of certain vitamins, such as vitamin A.   The EZ Melts Difference If you try supplements, see why EZ Melts is better--Our vitamins are fast melting, EZ to take, and have delicious customer-approved flavors. Unlike many major vitamin brands, our tablets don’t include harmful toxic ingredients or artificial flavors. Give our Zero Sugar, Vegan, Gluten-Free, Non-GMO Vitamin A supplement a try and see the difference!   Sources https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3679378/#:~:text=Retinol%20and%20retinyl%20esters%20are,the%20retinyl%20ester%2C%20is%20formed. https://ods.od.nih.gov/factsheets/VitaminA-Consumer/#:~:text=Vitamin%20A%20is%20a%20fat,different%20types%20of%20vitamin%20A. https://www.livescience.com/51975-vitamin-a.html https://www.healthline.com/nutrition/vitamin-a#what-it-is  ___ Written by Annie-Eliza Stevens